Trees are, as you might have noticed, become a rather popular commodity this time of year. My original plan to celebrate the holidays was to place a miniature Christmas tree in every single room in the hotel, and two in every bathroom, but the peons below me objected for two reasons: it was culturally insensitive and it was incredibly expensive. (Doesn’t money grow on trees? More trees, more money, right?)

Sadly, even after overruling them with my Whacking Stick, I eventually nixed the idea after being hounded relentlessly by some scruffy older gentleman who went by the name of Mr. Lorad, or Lorax, or Lora-lame-doesn’t-like-my-tree-idea. I applauded his facial hair, but not his can’t-do spirit.

On the subject of trees, if you missed the lighting, the Christmas Tree in the Hollywood & Highland Center is definitely worth checking out. It’s big, tall, and could very easily catch on fire, at least according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. (Lawyer note – No, it won’t.) We’re also taking part in a ridiculously cool little promotion: The 13 Days of Grinchmas, at Universal Studios! While clearly a crushing blow to the English language (no judgment here), Grinchmas is pretty darn catchy. Doesn’t this sound fantastic: ”A whimsical, curving Grinchmas tree will tower 50 feet above the center of a snow-covered Grinchmas winter wonderland.” I bet my staff won’t let me build one of these either.

Also of note, while not particularly seasonal, is the Star Trek Exhibition at Hollywood & Highland (check out their Facebook page). Question for all you dorks out there: if you’re flying through space, and you no longer follow the Roman calendar, when is Christmas? When is Hanukkah? When is my birthday? I think the obvious answer to that is, everyday. Especially if you have matter formulator thingy that can make me Earl Gray Tea, with a dash of single malt scotch, at the push of a button. Check out LA Weekly’s coverage of the exhibit here, and check it out soon, because it departs for a galaxy far, far away on December 27, 2009. You see how I worked in the far, far away part? Ha, brilliant. (Ed. note – Bruce does not know the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars.) (Bruce’s note – Dork!) (Ed. note – KHAN!!!)

This is Bruce, signing off.